text:
Hon Paul J. Lewis Address in Recognition of 70 Years of Parliamentary Democracy on Montserrat
Hon Leader of The Opposition on Montserrat, Paul J. Lewis | Image Credit to Mr Jenzil Skerritt
Hon Paul J. Lewis
What further conversations towards reforming our Democracy should we as a people now begin to engage in. For many years, we have seen our development drive stagnated as elected Representative after elected Representative become frustrated by the slow pace of development and change.
- Hon Paul J. Lewis
I stand here today with immense pride in my heart, as we as a people give recognition to 70 years of Parliamentary Democracy on Montserrat.
This celebration of 70 years of Parliamentary Democracy is quite a noble achievement for a developing island nation such as ours.
Great men and women of vision and fortitude, stepped up to the plate many years ago. Not only did they fight to achieve a change in their circumstance at that time in our history, but I am confident in saying here today, that their eyes were also fixed on the future and pushing forward towards the realisation of their ultimate goals and aspirations for Montserrat - politically, socially and economically.
Today, as we stand in observance of these 70 years of Parliamentary Democracy, allow me to indulge you as to the foundations that were laid, so that we as a people can be able to have such a commendable celebration today.
Let us for a moment look at the democratic foundations of Montserrat. It is known that our island is a British Overseas Territory. The Head of State is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the 2nd.
Despite the allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen, Montserrat is still mainly governed by a self -governing system of Representative Parliamentary Democracy, rooted in the Westminster model from the United Kingdom.
Many of our people, over the years, would have heard renowned historian Sir Dr Howard Fergus, and also the recently departed Dr George Irish, along with many of the island's notable political figures, speak about Universal Suffrage on Montserrat.
Universal Suffrage, which is widely regarded as "The right to vote" in Montserrat's context was only granted to the island in 1951.
It must be noted that prior to this, Montserrat was governed by what was known then as a Plantocracy system.
Records show that early elections on Montserrat date back to the 19th century. However, these elections were very limited, as only partial members of the community were able to vote.
True Representative Government on Montserrat did not really begin until the February 20th, 1952 elections, when all members of the Montserrat community of legal voting age and requirement were allowed that right to exercise their franchise.
It was our island's first elected Chief Minister, William H. Bramble, who led the charge that saw to voting rights being granted to all citizens of the island. Bramble, in seeking to bring Representative Democracy to Montserrat, worked with names such as R.W Griffith, M E. Walkinshaw, E T. Edgecombe, and B W. Edwards.
These valiant men and women who can be considered, for all intents and purposes, the Fathers of our Democracy - fought for, and won the battle for full Representative Democracy on Montserrat. "A type of democracy founded on the principle of elected officials representing a group of people."
Today, whilst we champion the achievement of 70 years of Parliamentary Democracy, can we honestly reflect and say that these great men and women who stood up and fought for our right to vote, and to be Represented by our own people in our very own Legislative Assembly – can we say that they would be fully proud of where we are today?
A fundamental requirement of our Representative Parliamentary Democracy is the provision for transparent governance systems and an accountable government.
A key element that helps our system to function well is the ability of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition to be afforded the latitude to pose questions on behalf of the people to the government of the day.
It is further expected that the government of the day, be both enterprising and accommodating in answering these questions, so as to give a full account to the people of their stewardship over the affairs of Montserrat.
The affairs of Montserrat belong to The People.
It is the people who have afforded each and everyone of us sitting here today as Parliamentarians, the privilege of being able to serve. Thus, it does not matter whichever Administration is in Office - they must submit themselves openly to receive questions - whether they find these questions favourable or not. No one should be allowed to stifle transparency, accountability, and effective Representation - either from within or outside of the Assembly.
This is what our forefathers battled for. They fought so that the framework for democratic governance on Montserrat is illustrated in the format where our island's Legislative power is undertaken by both the elected Administration of the day, BUT also by the wider Legislative body of Parliament to include all of the Representatives of the people that make up Parliament.
Both W.H Bramble and R W Bob Griffith, and others who stood with them during that pivotal moment in our history, began the process of building a more democratic island nation. We must ensure that what they stood for is never forgotten, and that us as Parliamentarians do not become consumed with our own imaginings of grandeur and power.
Many changes have come over these past 70 years that have impacted how Parliamentary Representation is conducted on Montserrat. One of the most significant changes took place in 2001, when due to the mass migration of our people caused by the Soufriere Hills Volcano, a new electoral system was introduced with a single nine-member constituency that gave voters the power to select their chosen nine candidates on the ballot paper.
Further changes were to come as Constitutional reform saw the Montserrat Constitution Order 2010 being adapted into law, and in 2011 the Legislative Council, as it was formerly known was discarded and replaced by what we now have today as the Montserrat Legislative Assembly.
Dare I say, that as we celebrate these past 70 years, it is also our duty as Parliamentarians to consider now what shape the future of our Democracy will take.
I am making my submission here today, in this 70th year of Parliamentary Democracy on Montserrat, that it is time for us to re-examine and seek to restructure the nature of our relationship with our Mother Country – The United Kingdom.
Our common goals of development and progress for Montserrat must be better aligned than what we presently have in place. This will require reform. It will require Parliamentary restructuring even. But if the ultimate goal of advancing Montserrat's development ambitions is better served, then re-defining our relationship with the UK is the most important conversation we must seek to have going forward.
On this note, I conclude my presentation to you today, just as I began - with pride in my heart that Parliamentary Democracy on Montserrat has achieved such a momentous milestone.
I am also enthusiastic about the scope for progress and further development of our Democracy that lies ahead.
The work to advance this nation and our Democracy has to be done collectively – by all of us working together to advance the cause of Montserrat towards a better and more wholesome nation.
I Thank You


In many cases, it is quite difficult to calculate the actual damages associated with a contract breach. A lot of factors influence whether and to what extent a breach negatively impacts a party, so coming up with a figure after the fact can be quite tricky. Plus, if there is not a specific damages clause included in the contract, then the party responsible for making the damages assessment will most likely be a judge. As a result, parties who wish to utilize the liquidated damages clause should clarify their intention to do so and the reasons for it. More than likely, it will suffice to say that calculating damages would be too difficult or time-consuming and/or that the effect of any breach is too uncertain at the time the contract is being drafted.
In addition to indicating the intention to rely on a liquidated damages clause, the parties must identify and specify the actions which constitute a breach such that the clause is triggered. This particular aspect of the clause should be as detailed as possible. There are obviously a lot of potential scenarios for a contract breach, so it must be abundantly clear which actions will result in the payment of liquidated damages. Granted, some breaches may not be readily foreseeable at the time that the contract is drafted, so it is important to address unforeseen issues as well and clarify whether they may also trigger the clause.
For the most part, the parties to a contract will endeavor to come up with a specific amount of liquidated damages that will be owed. This amount has to be reasonable in light of the circumstances, and the amount imposed will generally be a fair estimate of actual damages associated with the specified breaches. If the parties decide on a specific dollar amount, this should be clearly written numerically and spelled out to ensure accuracy and clarity. In the event that the parties do not wish to establish a specific amount, they may instead include the precise formula to be used to determine the liquidated damages at the time the breach occurs.
When a contract includes a liquidated damages clause that is triggered when certain types of breach occur, the payment of those damages is usually the only remedy available to the affected party. It would likely be unfair for there to be other consequences or remedies, as that is usually the point of negotiating the clause in the first place. However, to avoid ambiguity or further dispute, it is wise to incorporate language explaining that the liquidated damages clause is the exclusive remedy. Of course, if that is not the case, then that should probably be discussed and clearly laid out within the contract as well.


text:
Not to Vote for Barack Obama
Find out what this book is all about
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Read the complete Introduction FREE
Author John Wilson served as a Navy Journalist in Vietnam and for 32 years as a law enforcement officer, retiring as Director, National HIDTA Assistance Center. During his career, Wilson taught, consulted, or guest lectured for the Dept. of Justice in Central America and the Caribbean and served as Commander of the Metro-Dade Police Department's Basic Training Section. Earlier in his career, as a patrol officer and Sergeant, he spent several years working in the inner city and served during two major civil disturbances.
Since his retirement in 2002, Wilson has written two conservative books concerning the Obama Administration. The first – now available as a Kindle book on Amazon ($4.99) – is "203 Reasons Not to Vote for Barack Obama." The paperback edition($11.99) will be available in early July, 2012. The second book, to be published later this year, is "From Barry to Barack: A President Revealed." If you would like to be notified when 203 Reasons… is published in paperback, or when From Barry to Barack: A President Revealed, is published, you may "Follow" us by clicking on "Follow blog via email," located on the menu to the right, immediately below the Facebook media gallery. Followers will receive all our posts – usually one each day. You may email us at 203Reasons@att.net, with the word "SUBSCRIBE" as the subject. You will be contacted only with updates.
Isn't this book really just a list of "Cheap Shots" from the Author?
Absolutely not! This is a serious and very well documented work, using the words and works of Obama, his political associates and those who know him best, to construct a true picture of the real Barack Obama. As you can see later on this page, the book's Introduction alone, is supported by 78 endnotes. If you're undecided about the 2012 presidential election, or if you've already committed to Obama, this is a book you must read. If you're a conservative, this book will give you a broader understanding of Obama and solid information to discuss with others.
Can you Give Me a Brief Synopsis of the Book?
Barack Obama called America "mean-spirited" – himself a "blank screen" – and we made him the 44th President of the United States!
203 Reasons Not to Vote for Obama is a fact filled work that should be considered by people of all political stripes. It's pages are populated not by the author's opinion – though it is expressed – but by the words and works of Obama, his friends and associates.
It is Wilson's belief that the Presidency should be Party neutral and representative of all Americans. This President – based on his own words and actions – has been the polar opposite. Through his personal arrogance, he has ridiculed and ignored religious beliefs, attacked entrepreneurs; denigrated dissenters; divided us as never before and left us poorer and weaker in the process. Still, Obama announces with a straight face, that he "deserves" a second term.
In this quick and interesting read, Wilson snaps into place 203 puzzle pieces revealing the true face of political power in the wrong hands and showing the real content of Obama's so-called "Blank Screen." But, it is Obama and his friends who will show you why we must say "No" to "fundamentally transforming" the greatest nation on Earth.
Look on the right side of the page for the "FOLLOW" block. When you "FOLLOW" this blog and provide your email, a Discount code will be emailed to you, providing you with a $2 discount from the already low paperback price of $11.77! If your group wants to order in bulk, let us know at 203Reasons@ATT.Net and you'll save even more!
"If you want to taste the bitter fruits that is the legacy of Barack Obama, you can read loads of factual information in "203 Reasons Not to Elect Barack Obama." Highly recommended!" – Hugo D. Ley, Amazon.com
"I would like to recommend a new book I downloaded today: "203 Reasons Not to Vote For Barack Obama," by John Wilson. Every voter should read this book, it is awesome, a lot of information and well-written. Thanks!" – Patricia, Renew America
"Reading evoked various emotions. The book deepened my great concern for our country and it's people. Each time, I closed the cover, I felt sad, angry… frightened. Also, I am always hopeful as I will exercise my right to vote come every election especially this November." Pseudonym Samuel Clemens, Amazon.com
"This collection, however, highlights in the President's own words his thoughts and ideals on America and its future. These are not speaking points or essays. These are the statements made by the President while running or in office." – Bonny, Amazon.com
"I would like to recommend a book that every American should read: "203 Reasons Not to Vote For Barack Obama" Please, read this book! I downloaded it on my Kindle, $4.95, certainly affordable for most of us. There is still time to inform the people about the machinations of this administration. We MUST get rid of this Satan!" – Patricia, Patriot Post (unk if same as Reviewer #2)
Read the Introduction Free
He called America mean-spirited; himself a blank screen, and we elected him 44th President of the United States!
Obama is a man that doesn't like America very much – who, rationally evaluated, has made all the right moves toward political self destruction, but is unable to hit bottom – protected as he is, by the unwavering support of a smitten, liberal media.
John Podesta reportedly considered Obama as "…capable of being ruthless" and questioned whether he "felt anything, especially in his gut."[1] Newsweek's Evan Thomas, once described him as "'slightly creepy' and 'deeply manipulative.'"[2] "Spengler" writes in Asia Times, "Obama's women reveal his secret: he hates America."[3] David Mendell describes Obama's "hidden side: His imperious, mercurial, self-righteous and sometimes prickly nature…" and calls him "…a man of raw ambition so powerful that even he is still coming to terms with its full force."[4] David Freddoso calls him "…a shrewd, machine-aligned politician from Chicago – the kind who won't make no waves and won't back no losers…" a man who "…plays hardball and knows when to look the other way."[5] Blackwell and Klukowski warn that "In President Obama's America, dissent will not be tolerated."[6]
Given the President's level of public exposure, it is axiomatic that it should be impossible to conceal these traits, or his extreme partisanship, an easy disregard for the court system, his condescension and ridicule of ordinary citizens as well as political opponents; his Party's disregard for the truth, his reckless spending; and his readiness to revert to community organizing practices – rubbing "raw the resentments of the people" and fanning their "latent hostilities."[7] Miraculously – with the media's help – with a fear of being labeled "racist," many have remained unaware – even defensive – of Obama's character. Rather than acknowledging and confronting the true Obama, they prefer to continue projecting "their own views" onto the "blank screen" that represents this charismatic, but duplicitous politician.
Before We Knew Him
In 1990, Harvard student Obama called America "Mean-Spirited," hoping we could become more "generous" in the future.[8] In 2008, his wife Michelle, echoed that position, saying "we're a divided country, we're a country that is 'just downright mean,' we are 'guided by fear,' we're a nation of cynics, sloths, and complacents."[9]
From telling us that he is followed by security in department stores,[10] to his claim that white restaurant patrons throw their car keys to him,[11] Obama's two books are heavily laced with perceptions of racism and thinly disguised contempt for America. He writes from the perspective of an educated, somewhat detached observer – but, seems always less than an arm's length away from someone with a strong, negative racial message…so much so, that it is sometimes difficult to tell whether one of his friends is actually speaking, or if he is using the character to voice his own sentiments. One case that illustrates this point is chronicled in Dreams From my Father, when Obama writes:
"I could swear that just beneath the sober expression Ray was winking at me, letting me in on the score. Our rage at the white world needed no object, he seemed to be telling me, no independent confirmation; it could be switched on and off at our pleasure. Sometimes, after one of his performances, I would question his judgment, if not his sincerity. We weren't living in the Jim Crow South, I would remind him…"[12]
Here, Obama attributes the cause of his racial epiphany to a friend he calls "Ray," somewhat confusing the fact that it is he – not "Ray" – who decides that his "rage at the white world needed no object…it could be switched on and off at our pleasure." He then immediately switches the writing back to "Ray" and portrays himself as the adult in the room, reminding his friend they "weren't living in the Jim Crow South."
Both his books and his work as a Chicago Community Organizer have proven that Obama is good with words. As an Organizer, Obama quickly gained a reputation as an agitator. Mike Kruglik, an early Obama mentor in community organizing, called Obama "a natural – the undisputed master of agitation"[13] and this is what Saul Alinsky wrote about that skill:
"The organizer dedicated to changing the life of a particular community must first rub raw the resentments of the people of the community; fan the latent hostilities of many of the people to the point of overt expression….
"…When those prominent in the status quo turn and label you an 'agitator' they are completely correct, for that is, in one word, your function – to agitate to the point of conflict."[14]
Obama has been relentless in blending the idea of "fairness" with the need and justification for hiking the taxes of all those making more than $250,000 annually. He has rhetorically and obsessively worked to drive a wedge between Conservatives and Liberals, Republicans and Democrats, the rich and poor of America; between Republicans and Latinos, Latinos and law enforcement, blacks and law enforcement, Republicans and blacks, Catholics and women, whites and blacks; and between Tea Party members and Liberals, blacks and anyone else who is listening. He has sarcastically pulled passages from the bible, while embracing the "Muslim World," as if it were a monolithic political/religious entity. While doing all of this, he has continued to build and benefit from community organizing efforts and has encouraged the would be revolutionary "Occupiers," while denigrating middle-aged and elderly tea party members. In short, he has spit on American tradition, fomented turmoil and resentment and recreated a level of divisiveness not scene in decades.
Four years after his return from Harvard, as he prepared for his State Senate race, the Chicago Reader ran a story on Obama, noting that "…he's entering politics to get back to his true passion—community organization." And as President, he has shown time and time again that his first love is community organizing and that he still knows how to agitate – how to "…rub raw the resentments of the people of the community…" – how "…to agitate to the point of conflict."
Another attribute that Obama has consistently claimed is "Transparency." But, his brand may not be quite as clear as some would like. Choosing the time, venue and level of disclosure convenient to his purposes –President Obama has become adept at righteously claiming transparency, while hiding in plain sight – "…a leaf…in a forest…"[15]
We may have known, as Obama ran for the Presidency in 2007 & 2008, that he was pro-choice. But, did he make it clear that he was a strong advocate for partial birth abortions, or that he was stubbornly opposed to providing any lifesaving help to babies who survived abortion. Perhaps, he was transparent to the extent that the person with questions had done their due diligence in ferreting out all the facts.
But, to be fair, he has been transparent – though perhaps more in the vein of "hiding in plain sight." In many conversations with liberal friends, I have found that their favorable assessment of the President has far more to do with charisma and race than with fact – including the facts that he has placed at our disposal in his own books. Though his sales have been tremendous, most of the people with whom I have talked, have not read either of his books. Yet, if confronted with any fact presented in either Dreams From my Father or The Audacity of Hope, he automatically has the high ground. He was transparent. You just weren't paying attention.
In Obama's 1995 book Dreams From my Father, for example, he admitted to being a cocaine user and to standing in a New York City meat locker, seconds and inches away from a shot at heroin.[16] He told us about "The swagger that carries me into a classroom drunk or high, knowing that my teachers will smell beer or reefer on my breath, just daring them to say something."[17] To be sure, he tells us a great deal more – and having said so, he has made full disclosure. And so, while past cocaine issues sent shock waves across the campaign of his Democratic opponent for the U.S. Senate, the public reaction to Obama's drug and alcohol usage? None.
I am reminded of a friend who once said, "The best place to hide something is often in a book."
The Campaign Years
America knew little about Obama as we began watching him spar with Hillary Clinton. Many times, he seemed to appear as the young, unseasoned "underdog" in the race, evoking voter sympathy. But, where was the vetting? When we first heard Hillary allude to Obama's legal work on behalf of a "slumlord," it seemed like a cheap shot – more angry rhetoric from someone desperate to save an election. Indeed, as I recall, he was given reasonably free license to define what should be considered fair and unfair, or merely a "distraction." Clearly, he owned the press. As the debates and interviews went on however, it soon became clear that this was a razor sharp and tough Chicago politician – and nearly as quickly as that was discerned, the primary was over and Obama the winner. The world was treated to watching his nomination acceptance speech in a surreal – Roman Coliseum type exhibition.
Then came John McCain, the American patriot, war hero and seasoned Republican Senator. It was quickly apparent that he had no idea how to handle a campaign against Barack Obama. In fact, while Obama was slicing and dicing without pity, McCain was almost apologetic in defending his opponent as "a good man" and telling constituents "I have to tell you he is a decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States." [18] He was rewarded for this largesse with comments from Obama such as "It's easy to rile up a crowd by stoking anger and division, but that's not what we need right now in the United States. The American people aren't looking for someone who can divide this country — they're looking for someone who will lead it."[19] America listened – and voted for the Divider, who swore to "Fundamentally Transform the United States of America."
Still, strange names and rumors of unsavory associations began to pop up. The name Tony Rezko had surfaced in a debate with Hillary Clinton during the primary – and thanks to Political Commentator Sean Hannity – it was back in the news again, along with such notables as William Ayers, Minister Louis Farrakhan, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and through Wright – James H. Cone.
Jeremiah Wright and James H. Cone
Recall that Obama's minister and spiritual advisor – Reverend Jeremiah Wright – triumphantly said after 9/11 that "America's chickens are coming home to roost?"[20] He also graced us with such patriotic words as "The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing 'God Bless America.' No, no, no, God damn America[21]…"
Political commentator Sean Hannity identified and examined Obama's questionable long and close relationship with an America-bashing minister, who welcomed and gave awards to Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan and accompanied him on a visit to the late dictator, Muammar Qadaffi.[22] Wright, who also accompanied Rev. Jesse Jackson to Cuba for a visit with Fidel Castro,[23] based his philosophy on the Black Liberation Theology expounded by James H. Cone. Examples of this philosophy are found in Cone's own book: A Black Theology of Liberation. Cone says, for example:
"If the oppressed of this land want to challenge the oppressive character of white society, they must begin by affirming their identity in terms of the reality that is anti-white. Blackness, then stands for all victims of oppression who realize that the survival of their humanity is bound up with liberation from whiteness."[24]
"While it is true that blacks do hate whites, black hatred is not racism."[25]
Obama, by his own words, had known Wright for 20 years, spending 16 years in the pews of his church and coming to him for both his marriage and the baptism of his children. Miraculously though, Obama was consistent in his representation that in the 832 Sundays that comprised his 16 years as Wright's follower, he had not been present for even one of those American-bashing, or race card throwing sermons that gained such notoriety during the 2008 election cycle. The success of this claim alone, should have sent Obama on a buying spree for Lottery tickets – it's amazing how lucky a politician can be when members of the press forget the definition of journalism. Yet, despite the media help and his alleged ignorance of Wright's harshest sermons, Obama gave himself away (not that anyone noticed) when he knew it best to have Reverend Wright stand down during his initial announcement for the Presidency.[26]
As Wright's vitriolic rhetoric received increased attention from conservative anchors, Senator Obama sought to counter the political damage by treating it as a mere "distraction." When this strategy failed to silence the questions, the Senator did what he does best. He gave a speech proclaimed by liberals as a blockbuster, unequaled in history. The Philadelphia speech – "A More Perfect Union"[27] – chastised Wright for his divisive comments, but went on to say:
"I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother – a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed her by on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe."[28]
In the ensuing days, he would clarify his statement for Philadelphia radio host Angelo Cataldi, saying:
"The point I was making was not that my grandmother harbors any racial animosity, but that she is a typical white person."[29]
In the meantime, Wright's inflammatory language continued to take center stage in the campaign. We were quickly reminded of the Obama living just below the easy smile of a politician. The teleprompters were barely folded before all concerns and reluctance for disowning him were put aside and a 20 year relationship had been severed with surgical precision.
Hardly a whisper survived. In the mainstream media, Wright went from "hero to zero" and disappeared from any discussion that could – in any way – impact Obama's chances for election.
Professor William Ayers
2012: Professor William Ayers is shown on television, providing advice to an adoring group of "Occupiers," a movement that the Canada Free Press says may have been orchestrated by President Obama. [30]
2001: Ayers – a 60's radical, leader of the Weather Underground, who once planted bombs at the New York Police Headquarters Building, the Pentagon and the Capitol[31] –– is photographed in an alley, an American flag under foot,[32] and is quoted as saying "I don't regret setting bombs." "I feel we didn't do enough."[33]
Despite bringing in "many millions" of dollars over several years to fund education projects of both Ayers and his radical education allies,[34] when confronted with their association, Obama told ABC's George Stephanopoulos: "The notion that…me knowing somebody who engaged in detestable acts…when I was eight years old somehow reflects on me and my values doesn't make much sense." [35]
Obama's dismissive response made Stephanopoulos the villain and reduced the Ayers association to a footnote.
Thankfully for the professor, Obama's values did allow him to publicly endorse Ayers' juvenile crime book – a book that compared "America to South Africa's apartheid system, and contemptuously [dismissed] the idea of the United States as a kind or just country."[36]
And though Obama dismissed with an air of condescension, the idea of a relationship with an unrepentant domestic terrorist, author Christopher Andersen notes that Ayers was a very significant contributor to Obama's first book: Dreams From my Father. According to Andersen, "…oral histories, along with his [Obama's] partial manuscript and a trunkload of notes were given to Ayers." The finished book, oddly enough, bore a striking resemblance to "Ayers's own writings."[37]
It is safe to say that "acquaintances," and people who just happen to serve on the same Boards, do not accept trunkloads of notes to examine in order to effect significant contributions to their co-member's book. Yet, the mainstream media was only too anxious to ignore the Obama/Ayers relationship – a relationship correctly identified and – like Wright – almost single-handedly examined by Political Commentator Sean Hannity.
Tony Rezko
Then there was Obama's troubling association and financial dealings – including the purchase of his own Chicago home – with some possible help of so-called "slumlord" and convicted felon Tony Rezko[38] Anybody who was paying attention had to be seeing Obama's political career gone in a puff of smoke – but, only a few people were paying attention and this shocking scenario never got traction in the mainstream media.
African Americans for Obama
By early 2012, President Obama was publicly advertising "African-Americans for Obama" saying that this campaign was "powered by folks at every level, taking ownership where it matters most…in your faith community…at work and in school" and mentioning ways of becoming involved, including serving as a "congregation captain"[39] – all this from a President, who has consistently downplayed the role of Christianity in America and who has taken on at least two major religious groups. The first, through a U.S. Supreme Court case on the "Ministerial Exception." The second, through the inclusion of free contraceptives and abortion-inducing drugs in Obamacare. In one sense, as President of the United States, he seems to be urging people of faith to violate federal law by abusing their tax exempt status and engaging in political activities through the church.[40] In another sense, he has simultaneously thrown a giant race card into his re-election bid by essentially calling for a racially motivated voting bloc. Imagine if Mitt Romney announced a "White Americans for Romney" web-site. His political future would end in a New York minute!
President Obama labeled a police department as acting stupidly,[41] claiming police bias against minorities[42] and cautioning immigrants that a proposed Arizona immigration law would result in their harassment.[43] Then, in 2010, in a desperate attempt to retain a Democratic Congress, he urged Latin immigrants to "punish our enemies" [44] at the polls. His Administration went so far as to report a proposed Arizona Immigration law to the United Nations as a human rights issue.[45] Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State, said he used a Human Rights meeting with the Chinese as a forum to discuss the Arizona immigration law: In a May 17th article he is quoted as saying he spoke of the law "….early and often."[46] The proposed statute mirrored an existing federal law in effect for more than half a century.
While people were being killed on both sides of the border, Obama provided a platform and a supportive position for the Mexican President to lash out at Arizona's new immigration law. But, he answered the Arizona Governor's plea for help[47] with a lawsuit and an 80 mile "no go" zone between parts of Arizona and the U.S./Mexican border.[48] As Commander-in-Chief, he warned Americans against travel in our own country,[49] effectively ceding this 80 mile-wide strip of the United States to Mexican criminals.
Meanwhile, Homeland Security Director, Janet Napolitano, claimed "the border is better now than it ever has been."[50]
Despite this and his reported failure to answer five letters sent by the Arizona Governor to members of his Administration, he allegedly greeted her with icy resentment as he arrived in Arizona to campaign for his 2012 re-election bid. But, this may be Obama protocol for airport encounters with Republican Governors. He and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal allegedly had a similar meeting when Obama appeared in Louisiana during the BP oil spill crisis.
Energy and Crisis Management
President Obama openly brags about his so-called "all of the above"[51] energy policy – a policy that has included drilling moratoriums, slowing the permit process, failing to handle Iran, supporting Brazil's, rather than U.S. oil production and constantly arguing against subsidies for American oil companies. Only recently, did his Administration approve the building of two new nuclear power facilities – the first such approvals since his election. Interestingly, The Southern Company, which will be building those facilities, will also be building a large biomass facility, a large photovoltaic (solar panel-powered) plant and installing four million "smart meters."[52] Could there be a quid pro quo here? The Southern Company will be receiving federal loan guarantees of more than $8.3 billion through the Energy Dept., for the construction of the two nuclear power plants.[53] There is still however, a question as to whether or not the company will succeed with the nuclear facilities over the protests of environmental groups.
President Obama, who was quick to criticize President Bush for his handling of Hurricane Katrina, defensively noted in the Gulf's BP oil spill, that "my powers are not limitless. So I can't dive down there and plug the hole. I can't suck it up with a straw…"[54] He publicly boasted that in the case of the oil spill, he was speaking to experts "…so I know whose ass to kick."[55] His Administration falsely claimed support of scientists for their Gulf drilling moratorium[56] as well as for their assumptions on the effectiveness of cleanup efforts. [57]
He ignored the court ruling against his Gulf drilling moratorium by simply rescinding it and issuing a new one.
With little fanfare – certainly, less than the word "Transparency" suggests – he has defunded the Yucca Mountain Nuclear storage facility, essentially ignoring the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's warning against any attempt by the Energy Secretary to close the facility without Congressional Approval. [58] Waste is now being spread across 104 nuclear reactor sites around the Country.[59] Is this safer than Yucca Mountain, or is the Yucca defunding simply a political favor to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV)?
Tea Party and "Occupiers"
President Obama has ridiculed and denigrated concerned citizens in the "Tea Party" movement as "Tea Baggers,"[60] while voicing support for the violent, drug using, business unfriendly "Occupy" movement. And while his Justice Dept. is quick to attack voter I.D. laws as having a negative racial impact, he apparently had no problem with permitting an armed Black Panther member to go free after menacing voters during the 2008 Presidential election. [61]
He pushed Healthcare Reform on a disapproving public,[62] labeled and promised to defund Medicare Advantage Plans[63] as unnecessary, promised to cut $500 billion from Medicare spending[64] and told America that this would help to improve health care for seniors![65] And lest we forget, he suggested that sometimes it's better just to give somebody a pill, rather than potentially life-saving surgery.
Obama's stimulus, according to a member of the San Francisco Federal Reserve, boasted 2.4 million nonfarm jobs created or saved by March 31, 2010. By September 30th, only 700,000 remained.[66] Whether any now remain is a question. The Administration takes credit for reduced unemployment, while the 2012 lower rate still remains above the level preceding the $787 billion dollar stimulus package and is most benefited by people simply exhausting their 99 weeks of federal unemployment benefits and giving up hope.
After he brusquely left the Israeli Prime Minister sitting alone in the White House, while he joined Michelle and the kids for dinner, Obama made Israel's Maariv news, which wrote: "There is no humiliation exercise that the Americans did not try on the prime minister and his entourage. Bibi received in the White House the treatment reserved for the president of Equatorial Guinea." [67]
Where does it stop? In 2009, as he pushed for the "Stimulus," America's National Debt was $10.7 trillion.[68] Obama screamed incessantly, that he had inherited a mess. Twenty six months later, in his hands, the debt had increased to more than $14 trillion.[69] By March, 2011, he was fighting desperately to reduce even the meager Republican demanded budget cuts. Finally agreeing to a cut of a token $38.5 billion. The net effect of the cut – said to be $352 million in the first year[70] – compares (in the context of our National Debt) to a cut of approximately $5.03 from a $200,000 income. By the end of February, 2012, the National Debt had grown to nearly $15.5[71] trillion with some reports projecting $16.4 trillion by the Nov. 2012 elections. All the while, President Obama talks with a straight face about fiscal responsibility and claims the high ground for spending cut recommendations.
Initially, Obama the Senator – seemingly coming from obscurity to national prominence overnight – struck me as similar in some respects to our late President John F. Kennedy. That was a short-lived observation. In terms of his professional life, I will always believe that the phrase "Duty, Honor, Country" was illustrated by Kennedy – a war hero, a man who found it painful to walk, but who never let his pain show – a man who led the country through a potentially deadly international crisis, unafraid to go nose to nose with a super power – a man who had the vision to launch our space program and the understanding to arguably have been ready to extricate us from Vietnam in its earliest days. He was a man of courage and even in the face of a disastrous decision on the Bay of Pigs invasion, he took personal responsibility and did not attempt to pass the blame to Eisenhower, where much of it may have belonged.
By contrast, Obama remains very much the child in Indonesia who shouted "curang, curang" (cheater, cheater)[72], blaming others for anything that goes wrong. He has apologized for our country; downplayed the role and importance of our religious beliefs; promoted without reason or limit, the Islamic faith; vilified those with the vision and entrepreneurial spirit to accomplish great things; attempted to gut both our military and our space program; divided America with sarcastic and hateful rhetoric; and denigrated hardworking Americans who dare to dissent with his policies.
Economically, he is burying us in debt, by stubbornly favoring "investments" matching his ideological goals over sound fiscal policy. He has avoided court orders, openly bragged about circumventing congressional authority, publicly humiliated U.S. Supreme Court Justices and even chided an earlier Supreme Court for not breaking "…free from the essential constraints that were placed by the founding fathers in the Constitution."[73] He has been embroiled in conflict with the Catholic Church and in the process has alerted and offended all the major religious groups. His White House is involved in lawsuits with more than half the states in the U.S. He has promoted community organizing for personal political gain and has constantly reached out for our youth. Through zealous teachers, his message has been echoed in classrooms from Kindergarten to high school – and it is difficult not to notice the number of his speeches given at colleges, universities and high schools.
Obama's is a fast moving administration. He has many things on his agenda and many people placed to initiate and push that agenda. Even as he golfs, plays basketball and enjoys family vacations, all cylinders are firing. The idea that he is "Governing" seems a stretch. In fact, his administration appears to be checking off items on a list and doing whatever is necessary to accomplish them. Healthcare Reform is a great example. Even today, more than 50% of Americans want this law repealed and Obama busies himself instead with making it more encompassing – more deeply entrenched. He has no interest in what America wants. During February, while the polls showed 50% to 39%, the desire of Americans to repeal Obamacare, DNC Chairperson Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Rep. D-FL) attempted to reframe the argument to show Americans as "overwhelmingly" in support of the bill.[74] By the end of June, 2012, we will have the Supreme Court's decision on the Constitutionality of "Obamacare" and that result may very well define the amount of power the federal government will – from that day forward – exercise over the lives of all Americans.
Obama's staff and Party have taken their lead from the top and it is Over the Top! We are now in a time, according to Obama and his cohorts, when it is o.k. to "punish our enemies," when it is o.k. to suggest that white conservatives want all blacks to be hanging from trees, [75] when it is o.k. to suggest that honest, hardworking people – when dissenting with Obama's policies – are the same people who once wore sheets (KKK),[76] and when it is o.k. to say on the floor of Congress that the Republican health care plan is to have people "Die Quickly."[77]
Too often, all of these things go unnoticed. Single actions and sound bites are blended with the events of the day and soon forgotten. When we have the opportunity to look at the cumulative impact – the relentless march of these words and actions in a compressed format – only then can that vague sense of uneasiness be replaced by a clear understanding of the current assault being made on both our Country and our values. The problem is exacerbated by a mainstream media that has, in some cases, abdicated their journalistic responsibilities and opted instead to become press agents for Obama and Attackers of his political opponents.
203 Reasons Not to Vote for Obama is not a book based on, or written to justify personal opinion – though the author's opinion is expressed without apology. The decision to write this book was based on numerous events and statements made over the course of the 2008 Democratic Primary and general election campaigns, as well as during the three year period following Obama's inauguration. To the extent possible, it is my belief that the Presidency should be Party neutral and representative of all the people of this country. This Presidency has been the polar opposite and the result has been a continuous effort to dim the bright light that has since 1776, shone as a beacon from the greatest nation on Earth. In his personal arrogance, Obama believes he has a better idea for our Country. He said it himself, when he announced that "
"We're only five days away from fundamentally transforming the United States of America." [78]
I believe our country is in jeopardy today and that if President Obama is re-elected, the change will truly reflect his promised fundamental transformation. I say this with the greatest of regret, because for a fleeting moment, I believed we were on the edge of the greatest, most productive Presidency in the history of this Country. Fortunately, my mind was changed before election day, 2008. And of all the simple things, it was Obama's terse, dismissive response to a child that began to clear my eyes.
When I see a President sneer at any group of Americans – when I see a President that openly brags about circumventing Congress and who speaks about the opposition party as if they were enemies of the American people, I know as an American, that there is something fundamentally wrong. When I see a President who forgets the name of a Congressional Medal of Honor Winner and who keeps an Attorney General who cannot so much as pick up the phone to express his condolences to the parents of a U.S. Border Patrol Agent murdered as a result of his Department's operation, I see the absence of patriotism and of fundamental decency. When I see a President who takes sides and picks winners and losers, who goes to war with one religion while pandering to another, who misrepresents scientific opinion, who disregards court orders, who sticks to an agenda, undeterred by the will of the people, I see elements of an ugly moment in European history being seeded here – needing only time and votes to grow.
But these are my own thoughts and opinions, developed over time. Yours may be different. It is not my intention in this book to beat an opinionated drum in anyone's ear.
The preference in this book is to have Obama, his political cohorts and those who know him best, show you in their own words and actions, why this country loses, if Obama wins re-election in 2012.
Through examples, speeches and comments, the racial core, divisive nature and duplicity of Obama's partisan politics emerge, along with his continuous campaign posture, his application of community organizing methods to politics, his impact on our youth and his disregard – even contempt – for dissenters.
These are the facts that demonstrate unequivocally, Obama's disdain for historic America, the place it has occupied as a world leader and what he surely sees as its complete failure to provide social justice and positive economic outcomes for all its inhabitants – citizens, immigrants and illegal immigrants alike.
The class warfare promoted by this President, the divisiveness, arrogance, stubbornness and partisanship reflected in his words and actions; the distance of his Administration from American values and traditions, his own over the top and disingenuous rhetoric, the marginalizing of our religious foundations and the perversion of a free press – all of this and more could easily fill another book of equal or greater length. But there is no time. The issues are too urgent and the potential consequences of an Obama win, too grave to delay another day.
We are rapidly closing on the 2012 Presidential election. As Obama activates his community organizers around the country and as Democrats begin spouting their practiced talking points – ignoring the real questions and concerns of the American people – America must be armed with as much information as possible. We are witnessing, as all students of history know, a very dangerous relationship between this Administration and the media – in this case, the liberal majority of the media. In this relationship, President Obama, his Administration and supporters are all shielded from any critical analysis of their failures, words, actions, and their most indefensible attacks against others. At the same time, conservatives – whether politicians, members of the media, or simply engaged citizens – are considered "fair game" and characterized as extreme – even un-American. Officials in the Obama Administration aggressively attack, or stand mute as others attack conservative media and they are represented by "czars" with such frightening and toxic positions as considering freedom of speech and of the press as "distractions," or believing that there should be a two-tiered 1st Amendment – separating high and low value speech.
I dislike half truths and lies whether they come from the Left, or the Right. I have come to expect them from the Left, but, it makes them no less disappointing. There are no shortage of problems in government today – certainly, no reason to invent, or embellish. Yet, too often, we find ourselves in the middle of coverage that is more targeted to personal attacks and knee-jerk responses than to important public policy. Ask a policy question directly to a politician and you're likely to have the back cover of the phone book read to you. In a word, we should all be shouting "ENOUGH." We have real problems and a country full of people with great ideas. But, those great ideas don't matter if we're not talking to each other in an open and honest manner. If the government is spending our money – and certainly, government has none of its own – then we should have clear, easy and full access to every piece of information (with the exception of classified information, information concerning active investigations, or other clearly defined exceptions) that has resulted from the use of that money. When a Bill is written, it should be written in a way that every American can read and understand it. Does a Healthcare Reform bill really require 2,700 pages with constant cross references? When a U.S. Congressman laughs at the prospect of reading a bill – even with attorneys to help – we should be very concerned. Just how "Transparent" is the Obama Administration really?
When I see a politician like Paul Ryan, who rolls up his sleeves, develops a plan and presents it clearly and openly, I am encouraged. When I see a Peter King, or Darrell Issa – undeterred in their search for truth – I am encouraged. When I hear a Marco Rubio speak, I am inspired. But, for each of these, there are also the Maxine Waters' and the Sheila Jackson Lee's, who use over the top rhetoric to divide us; the Holder's, who want the position but are quick to suggest that it comes without responsibility or accountability for them; the Alan Grayson's, who seek to gain through fear and the demonization of their opponents. While conservatives seem for the most part, to engage in conversation and to make statements regarding policy, liberals – especially under Obama – seem unrestrained in their use of provocative, racially charged, and attack-oriented language.
I am thankful for people who cut through the endless, unproductive rhetoric – who deliver truth and are guided by patriotism – who question boldly and refuse to accept double talk in answer to serious questions of the American people. Those who are given a microphone, be it radio, television, internet, or symbolically, through the written word, are also given a great responsibility. One of their greatest tests – one failed by many – is delivering the unfiltered truth, even when it argues against their own political positions.
I once considered Glenn Beck extreme. Today…I'm not so sure. People like Glenn, Bret Baier, Bill O'Reilly, Deneen Borelli, Stephen Hayes, Charles Krauthammer, Neil Cavuto, Dana Perino, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Greta Van Susteren, David Barton, Brit Hume, Megyn Kelly, Chris Wallace, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Stephen Moore, Steve Forbes, Michelle Malkin, Laura Ingraham, Kirk Cameron, Jonah Goldberg, Mark Steyn and Mark Levin – a very diverse group themselves – are part of a much larger group of journalists, commentators, writers and producers still dedicated to our country and to the truth.
So, in that sense, Journalism is still very much alive. So long as the truth lives, there is hope – not Obama's idea of hope – but, real hope that inspires people to achieve, to honor and preserve our traditions, and to leave our country and our people better than they found them.
But, as you will see later in this book, there are still those who would unapologetically discard our First Amendment rights and use the façade of "journalism" as a "Front" for targeted political attacks and racism.
Republicans, Independents and all those who love and cherish America bear a tremendous responsibility in 2012 to vote in large numbers for a return to the path on which our Founders set us in 1776 and to the principles for which so many have since given their lives. I have spent my life in public service – first in the military as a Navy Journalist in Vietnam and then in law enforcement – and I am proud to say that military service is a long honored tradition in my family, that started with the War of 1812. All of this makes me an average guy, who like you, can see and feel the cynicism, negativity and divisiveness that was sold in 2008 as "Hope and Change" and who, like you, experiences the frustration of not being able to do much about it. I have no radio, or television show. I have no newspaper column. I have no other way, but for this book, to share my concerns with you.
I am blessed to be an American and to live in a generous, loving and culturally diverse America – an America of equal opportunity that values and applauds life, individualism, hard work, competition, innovation, service to country and personal achievement – an America where an average guy still has a voice and still has a chance.
I pray that America will always be first, last and always "…one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
And, I pray that this book helps in some small way.
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Culture is a competitive advantage. Organizations with great cultures tend to outperform their competitors, not just in business outcomes such as profitability, but in their ability to innovate, meet evolving business challenges, and recruit and retain top talent. These great cultures—and the teams within them—have an extra layer of strength, resilience, and ability to adapt. This begs the question, what makes a great culture…great? It's a challenging but important question that leaders around the globe are trying to answer. What makes it even more difficult is that no two organizations are alike; what makes a culture great in one environment doesn't necessarily work in another.
I have recently been promoted to director of culture at Miron. In this role, I'm searching for that answer and what it means for Miron, a company that has existed for more than 100 years. Many people spend the majority of their lives at work, and I truly believe that this time should be spent doing something they love (or at least like), with people they enjoy working with, all in the pursuit of a larger purpose to which they feel connected.
Great cultures, in my humble opinion, are ones where employees are genuinely cared for, empowered, and feel valued. That is the mission I share with my small culture team—a team I hope to grow in 2019 and beyond.
On the surface, this may seem like a simple answer to the question, but it is incredibly difficult to execute, as evidenced by the discouraging statistic that over 68 percent of employees are disengaged at work. In addition to care, empowerment, and value, I believe great cultures exist in organizations that intentionally build an environment of trust. The infamous quote from Steve Jobs says it all: "It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do." Where trust exists, you will see people fully showing up, extending trust to one another, and working together through challenges. When there's a culture of trust, people aren't afraid to fail. Instead, they view failure as an opportunity to grow.
Building a culture like this doesn't happen overnight, and it certainly is not constructed by accident. Rather, it starts out small, with a shared vision and a clear focus on the behaviors that will achieve that vision. These behaviors (unspoken and spoken rules for how work gets done) need to be modeled by leadership, grown through advocates, and spread over time from person to person. The best, strongest, and most authentic cultures are built in the small moments between people. That's where relationship-building, the bedrock of culture, truly happens.
Typically, it is not during the easy times that true relationships get built, but rather in the most challenging parts of our work. The same is true for culture. Many companies, including Miron, focus a lot of energy on building a sense of team outside of the normal work day. I'm proud of everything we do in terms of team building, annual summits, and even having a dream coach on staff. These events and programs are what make this organization special, and I talk often about this during our new hire experience and with others in the community.
However, I think our next opportunity will be to concentrate on the work day and the employee experience that happens during the week. I want to focus on the little moments, making sure we start people out right and welcome them into our culture. This will be accomplished through demonstrating care, articulating how and why we value each team member, carving out time to truly know our people, checking in, and providing feedback and opportunities for growth throughout an employee's entire experience.
Throughout 2019, we'll bring you a series of blogs on company culture, exploring what makes great cultures great. I'm excited to share more ideas on the importance of trust, empowerment, demonstrating care, and providing regular feedback to employees, as well as how each of these key components contribute to building a great culture. Stay tuned!
If you have an interest in culture, I invite you to share your ideas with us as we share our ideas with you. To that end, I recently listened to a Coaching for Leaders Podcast with Ginger Hardage on Unstoppable Cultures. Ginger is a former senior vice president of culture at Southwest Airlines and has some fantastic, practical ideas for cultivating an unstoppable culture. Click the following link to learn more: https://coachingforleaders.com/podcast/350/.


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Home NEWS Isthmus Cover Stories Swamped
Swamped
Madison ponders a soggy future as climate change takes hold
by Dylan Brogan
PAULIUS MUSTEIKIS
Before going to bed, Jacob Bicknase noticed an alert on his phone about flooding in Mazomanie. Still, he was dumbstruck to see a foot of water outside his front door when he woke up at 6 the next morning.
"I saw the water outside and was just like, 'Whoa.' Then I took a look in the basement. There was 2 or 3 feet of water down there. It was pouring in all four windows," says Bicknase, a musician who, while not on tour with his bands Thompson Springs and Acoplados, lives with his parents, David and Mimi, in his hometown. "We don't live in a flood prone area…. I'm not sure how you could have predicted this."
The night before, Monday, Aug. 20, record-breaking rainfall dumped 11 inches on Mazomanie. The west side of Madison was hit with 9 inches. Over 15 inches pummeled Cross Plains — the most rain to fall in a 24-hour period in state history. Black Earth and Arena were hit hard by the storm, too. Like many, Bicknase and his family weren't prepared for flood waters invading their one-story home.
"We're a musical family and we kept a lot of instruments in the basement. A lot of mementos," says Bicknase. "For that first hour, I was just trying to get whatever I could out of the water. But it wasn't very long before we realized that the water was still rising."
The surge had swelled up to the front stoop and was level with the entryway. That's when Bicknase saw firefighters walking through the water. They told him a boat would be by in 10 minutes to evacuate them.
"We only had time to pack a few bags. Whatever we could carry and that was it. We didn't know if the water would keep rising or to what extent the final damage would be," says Bicknase. "Right before we got on the boat, the water was up to my waist outside. You could feel a current going by that was pulling towards lower ground. It was dangerous."
Bicknase took some video on his phone while he, his parents and their golden labrador, Luna, were evacuated by boat to higher ground. Bicknase's mom, Mimi, is heard saying in the video, "I can't believe we are boating down our road. I cannot believe this."
Patrick Farabaugh
The Tenney Park shelter was overrun by water for several days.
They were taken to a nearby hill, about a 3-minute boat ride away, where they waited with many of their neighbors, unsure of what would happen next.
Later that day they returned to survey the damage. Their home, their vehicles and most of their possessions were destroyed. They saw a watermark at the very top of their home — 9 feet off the ground. Jacob's dad, David, helped make many of the musical attractions at House on the Rock and had some personal creations stored in the basement.
"That's probably the most devastating thing that was lost. All these handmade instruments my dad had made. Those can never be replaced — one of a kind," says Bicknase, whose family is staying in Monona with friends. "There are a lot of elderly people who have lived in the neighborhood for years. Nobody saw this coming and I worry about how they will cope with this."
Over the next few days, the rain that fell in the area worked its way to Lake Mendota. The Tenney Park lagoon flooded onto a section of East Johnson Street, forcing its closure. The Yahara River inched its way closer and closer to homes. The city's stormwater system was overwhelmed, causing pools to form on North Paterson, East Mifflin and other streets in low-lying sections of town.
With more rain in the forecast, officials in Madison and Monona sounded the alarm. Thousands of sandbags were filled and residents piled them around their homes. The rain, though pounding at times, came in lighter than expected. While the threat of flooding from saturated storm drains is not over, the water, for now, is retreating.
Emily Stanley, a professor at UW-Madison's Center for Limnology, says the potential for flooding in the Madison area is nothing new. But she and other scientists warn that climate change could make severe storms — and, by extension, flooding — more common.
"What's different is double-digit inches of rainfall in such a short period of time," she says. "When you add the water really, really quickly, it's like if you eat Thanksgiving dinner in five minutes. It doesn't feel the same as it would if you ate it over the course of a few hours."
Lauren Justice
Volunteers — like these filling sandbags at James Madison Park — came out in droves to aid neighborhoods in danger of flooding.
Flash flooding caused chaos in Madison on Aug. 20. That night major intersections like Odana, Mineral Point and McKenna were impassable because of high water. Lanes of the Beltline were flooded. Shoppers at Costco in Middleton took refuge in the big-box store overnight because of the deluge.
Ald. Matt Phair and his wife, Connie, were surveying the flooded streets when they came upon an SUV stuck in a flooded ditch. They helped two passengers get to safety. But Phair and another good samaritan struggled in vain as the driver was swept out of their grip by rushing waters. The man, 70-year-old James Sewell, was found dead 13 hours later, nearly a third of a mile away. Sewell had been a longtime employee of the Wisconsin Historical Society where he focused on architectural preservation.
Daniel Wright, an assistant professor at UW-Madison's engineering school, studies rainfall and climate data to predict flood risk.
"If you look at the observations of rainfall — which in this country go back a century, if not more — it's clear in the Midwest that the frequency and intensity of these heavy rainfall events are going up. In particular, the events that are changing the most are these relatively short-lived, summertime storms like the one we [just] experienced," says Wright. "Even back in June, we had a fairly intense storm that caused some flooding. These types of events are becoming more common and are the type of storms that urban areas are particularly vulnerable to in terms of flood risk."
Fortunately for residents of the isthmus and Monona, the record rainfalls that caused devastating flooding in Mazomanie and other communities west of Madison largely missed the Yahara watershed.
"It's reasonable to think, to some degree, [Madison] dodged a bullet," Wright says. "The eastern edge of the storm did hit the Yahara watershed. But areas farther west got even more rainfall. So if the storm had been centered over Madison, the flooding could have been much worse."
Matthew Norman
Lake Monona hit a record high level of 848.13 feet, topping a previous record set in 2008.
Phil Gaebler, a city water resources engineer, says a lot of the rain that fell on Madison's west side, Middleton and the north edge of Lake Mendota did work its way into the lakes after a few days.
"That runoff came into the system," says Gaebler. Water flows down Lake Mendota, through the Yahara River into lakes Monona, Waubesa and Kegonsa. When water levels on Mendota threatened the Tenney Dam, county officials doubled the rate of flow through the Yahara River, which peaked at 330,000 gallons a minute.
"Monona and Waubesa drain relatively slowly. Usually there is enough room within Lake Monona that they can release water, through the Yahara, at a slow enough rate that it doesn't cause it to rise up," says Gaebler. "In this scenario, the efforts to draw water down on Lake Mendota [was] more than the system could handle but necessary."
Increasing the flow through the Tenney Lock caused the Yahara River to rise rapidly, sending water onto adjacent bike paths and streets. The alternative would have been worse.
"If they shut down the lock, [water] would find the lowest point through the isthmus. It would be the earthen portion of the dam and not the concrete structure," says Wright. "You want the water to go through the defined, engineered outlet."
Meanwhile, the stormwater system was at capacity throughout the isthmus, which caused water to back up on North Livingston, East Mifflin, East Main and other streets.
"If you think of the isthmus as a bathtub with an uneven bottom, it's all connected with the storm sewer network. As the whole system fills up, it's coming up and onto the surface," says Gaebler. "The water is the same level at all the storm sewers on the isthmus right now, which are connected to the lake. Flooding occurs first where the ground isn't as high."
By Friday, Aug. 24, the increased flow through the Yahara had lowered Lake Mendota's level by an inch. By Aug. 26, Lake Mendota had drained enough to decrease the flow rate through the Yahara — which, along with cooperative weather, caused water to recede along the river and from flooded isthmus streets.
But rain on the night of Aug. 27 prompted the county to again increase the flow of water into the Yahara.
Stanley says agricultural and urban development have made it harder for the Yahara watershed to absorb water.
"We've turned what used to be wetlands into crop lands," she says. "Things are done to help farms be productive. That involves making sure water drains efficiently in the spring. So when you have an event like this in the summer, the same thing is going to happen. The water is going to drain off efficiently and rapidly. The watershed has lost some degree of its capacity to buffer extreme events."
Madison Mayor Paul Soglin has held daily press conferences about the flood crisis as it unfolds. The city readied evacuation plans in case residents were forced from their homes, hung warning fliers on residents' doors, coordinated sandbagging operations and issued flood maps.
Madison dodged the worst of storms that hit Wisconsin starting this past weekend. But heavy rains on Aug. 28 elevated Lake Mendota so more water will be sent down the Yahara. The next day Soglin said that rain forecast for Friday and Saturday may extend the time it takes for the city to dry out.
"People just want to know it's over," said Soglin at a news conference. "I understand the stress people feel. But we can not say the event has ended. And we won't be able to say that until we've had a significant period of dry weather and both lake levels are down."
The mayor estimates more than 160,000 sandbags were filled and distributed to residents and businesses. Volunteers filled bag after bag to protect apartments close to the Yahara River and on Merry Street. Teenagers from Operation Fresh Start helped fill sandbags on flooded Marston Avenue. Sandbagging operations were set up at Tenney and Brittingham parks. As Lake Monona rose, the city of Monona distributed sandbags and fortified the Belle Isle neighborhood.
Peter Taglia spent most of Saturday filling sandbags at Brittingham Park, which is across from his house. "I give the city and county props for really doing a good job," he says. "They connected everyone."
Taglia, a geologist, was happy to see the city using tools — such as geographic information system mapping — it had developed over the years. "They put together these really detailed maps that the city has been using for the sandbagging operations. I would tell people that is our tax money at work," he says. "You hire professionals that are competent and you get some of this good information that helps this community effort."
Judith Davidoff
Gov. Scott Walker fills a sandbag held by his wife, Tonette, while Tom Kasper holds a sign urging more drastic action.
Gov. Scott Walker called in the National Guard on Aug. 24 to help Madison and Monona with flood prep. The governor and First Lady Tonette Walker made a rare appearance in Madison the following day to help fill sandbags at Tenney Park.
"We had flooding in the front yard and on one whole side from the lake to the street," says Tonette Walker of the Executive Residence in Maple Bluff. "The vegetables in our garden ended up in our neighbor's yard."
Some neighbors thanked the governor but others took the opportunity to criticize his policies.
Tom Kasper, a resident of Elizabeth Street, held a sign behind Walker that accused the governor of staging a photo op while ignoring climate change.
Another man biked up to Walker to confront him: "Gov. Walker, I want to say that your time and energy would be much better spent enacting policies to counteract climate change rather than shoveling sand into bags. Would you agree?"
"Glad you're here. Thanks for watching," replied Walker. "You can say what you want. You can call me a F-word if you want."
"I'm not doing that," the man countered. "I'm just saying climate change policy would be more effective than shoveling sand. Otherwise, you'll be out here next year, too."
After the man left, Isthmus asked Walker how he plans to address the threat of flooding in Madison. Dane County's initial cost estimate from the flood is $108 million. The governor did not offer specific solutions.
"The biggest thing with emergency management funds is mitigation," said Walker. "So, we'll do that as we've done elsewhere. It's not the first time we've done it — we've helped with mitigation across the state. Particularly if we get a federal [emergency] declaration — obviously we already have a state one — we'll make sure a good amount of those funds go to mitigation. We'll look to Wisconsin Emergency Management and other agencies to see what next steps are."
Walker said his public appearances don't normally prompt protests.
"We don't get them anywhere but Madison but that's all right," said the governor. "I like to support our guard when they are out doing stuff and see what they are doing. We're going to go thank those guys down on Johnson right now."
Marston Avenue resident Bob Spoerke spent the last week watching the Tenney Park lagoon creep up to the sidewalk in front of his house. He says he questioned the governor about the state Department of Natural Resources purging language on its website attributing climate change to human activities and rising levels of carbon dioxide. He also told the governor that climate change was real.
"[Walker] looked at me and said 'that's your opinion.' But climate change isn't my opinion, it's established fact," says Spoerke. "I've been agitated ever since. There's been two catastrophic floods in northern Wisconsin the past three years. These 100- and 500-year events are happening every few months."
Eric Tadsen
Flooding caused city-wide traffic delays and road closings, including at the intersection of North Livingston and East Washington.
State Rep. Chris Taylor (D-Madison) is frustrated that Republicans in the Legislature won't accept that climate change is causing more extreme weather in Wisconsin.
"The storms are worse. I don't even care why [GOP lawmakers] think they are worse. But let's address what's confronting us. The weather doesn't care if you're a Republican or a Democrat. The damage is the same," says Taylor. "For us not to address this is irresponsible and it puts people's lives in danger."
Taylor cites changes to wetland permitting and the state curbing local regulatory authority as actions that have made it more difficult for communities to prevent damage from severe weather.
Stanley says the potential for flooding in Madison and other communities should not surprise anyone.
"We don't know when big storms will come but we do know they seem to be coming more frequently. We are aware that there is a link between these events and the changing climate," says Stanley. "From a personal point of view, it is frustrating. We had the opportunity to address this on a global scale. This isn't just a Wisconsin issue."
Stanley says steps can be taken to build capacity to absorb rain water in the Yahara watershed but "options are limited" in urban areas.
"We could add more stormwater retention [ponds] that are basically urban wetlands. But when the city is already built, you don't have opportunities to put in a wetland or a retention pond. There is already a house or an apartment building there," says Stanley. "Many of the new high rises and apartment buildings in Madison have sprouted up over the past decade in some of the most flood vulnerable spots on the isthmus," between the Capitol and First Street.
Ald. Ledell Zellers, who represents much of that area, says city engineering staff are diligent about requiring developers to mitigate potential environmental issues caused by new structures. But she says new high rises, like the Constellation and the Galaxie apartments on East Washington Avenue, haven't exacerbated flooding.
"What we had before was impermeable and what we have now is impermeable," says Zellers. "What I've been told is that those [new developments] are not worsening the flood situation."
But as development expands from the concrete-heavy East Washington corridor into greener residential areas, Zellers is unsure how builders will mitigate flooding. She says a development approved for the 700 block of East Johnson is being required to have "permanent dewatering" systems in place and have measures to "safely route runoff when the storm sewer is at capacity."
"I'm wondering how that's going to be accomplished given what we are seeing right now. That's a very low-lying area. The storm sewer is at capacity right now. So what will this development do with that extra runoff?" asks Zellers, who says the developers must be able to answer those questions before receiving a building permit. "I'm not an engineer but that seems very challenging. All I know is that it certainly won't help to replace permeable surfaces with impermeable ones and, in some cases, we are doing that."
Virginia Gunderson
After Marston Avenue flooded near Tenney Park, resident Virginia Gunderson sent a swan floatie out for a solo ride.
There's long been debate over whether lake levels are being kept artificially high to benefit boaters. Dane County Supv. Yogesh Chawla, who represents the Atwood area and the town of Blooming Grove, intends to revive the discussion over lake levels after the immediate crisis passes. In 1979, the state set lake levels for the Yahara chain of lakes. Chawla says Dane County is allowed to adjust lake levels within a 6-inch range.
"Long term, I intend to support lowering lake levels. Climate change is real. We need to take steps to combat these extreme storms involving stormwater and lake level management," says Chawla. "This needs to be a top priority."
Taylor says she's eager to work with local and state officials to create a "comprehensive plan and come up with policies that make sure the community doesn't have to go through this again."
"City and county staff have been working around the clock and are incredible. They literally haven't been sleeping," says Taylor. "It's reminded me, once again, of the strength of our community. I've seen neighbors helping neighbors…. We'll get through this."
The house Jacob Bicknase and his parents evacuated more than week ago remains unlivable, at least for a few months. His parents hope to move to a nearby house, which also sustained flood damage, but is on higher ground. Bicknase plans on helping his parents get settled before deciding whether to move to Madison or out-of-state.
"Life has been put on hold at least for the time being. Sitting back and reflecting has been difficult," he says. "It's going to take many months, probably a year, before our community recovers."
Bicknase says his family, and others in his neighborhood, are receiving help from the Red Cross.
"Most of our belongings we had to throw out. The Red Cross has a connection to St. Vinny's. We are welcome to get whatever we need there which is amazing. The community has really banded together," says Bicknase, who offers this advice to others. "Be kind to your neighbors. Trust your neighbors. You never know when you might need them or they might need you."
Editor's note: This article originally listed the wrong year for when the state set the range for levels for the Yahara chain of lakes. It was 1979 not 1976.
City of Madison Isthmus Cover Story 2018 Dane County Flooding Madison Lakes Lake Monona Lake Mendota Yahara River
A small minority of inspired scientists believe that climate change is more impacted by long term cosmic and earth core cycles than by carbon emissions… and also by human inner climate emissions (i.e. electromagnetic radiations due to thoughts, feelings, attitudes and beliefs). Spiritual mystics, shamans and prophets have long spoken of this impact (in more spiritual language)… with some DEMONSTRATING this (e.g. Jesus calming storms).
Despite my two high honor degrees in science and engineering from two elite universities, I resonate with such minority views (with many mystical climate experiences building such confidence)… feeling more hope for humanity (and planet) through this (perhaps future science) than through today's majority science views.
In other words, cleaning up our INNER climate (e.g. judgment, blame, arrogance, avoidance, self-righteousness, self-pity, self-indulgence) may be our greatest hope for cleaning up our OUTER climate (including social, political, economic, religious and health crises).
Carl Landsness more than 1 year ago
Letter to the Editor RE: Swamped Vol 43, Issue 35 by Dylan Brogan
I wish to commend the communities in Wisconsin who are continuing flood abatement plans after the recent deluge of rain throughout the state. Many citizens, including government officials have stepped up to help. Thank you multiple times over. I am dismayed that Governor Walker reports citizens of Madison are "protesting" when they speak to him concerning our State's rollbacks of environmental protections that affect our important Watershed areas. When asked by someone in Madison about enacting policies to counteract climate change, the media reports Walker said: "You can say what you want. You can call me the F-word if you want." Statements like this work as a wedge to provoke. True leadership works to unite, not divide us. Governor Walker, we are not the enemy; please take these concerns under consideration. It makes better sense to put policies in place now for prevention of catastrophes than have our hard earned tax dollars spent on mitigation after they occur. Our state motto is Forward; let's use the scientific and statistical data available to plan for our future and save us tax money down the road.
Mary Jo Biebl-Yahnke more than 1 year ago
RE: Swamped
And if we were experiencing the worst drought in Wisconsin in 50 years, you know what would be causing that too, right? Yep, climate change. No wonder it's so well-loved on the Left... you can really apply it to any environmental event you want, no thinking required.
WashCoRepub more than 1 year ago
Swamped?
So why, with storm sewers at or over capacity, is the City's Mall Concourse crew out every day pressure-washing the State St area? For the second time this summer?
Thomas Mackey more than 1 year ago


iMac Mini Disassembly probably ok?
Daring Fireball has a comment from someone who saw a Mac Mini being disassembled and it sounds ok. A standard issue putty knife and some assistance from a jack knife were all that was needed to crack the case.
New smoothie recipe that I tried: 2 bananas 250ml Orange juice. Put bananas in blender. Add orange juice to blender. Blend until smooth. Not exactly impressively innovative, but it tastes quite good.